http://www.birminghampost.net/news/local-elections-2008/latest-news/ Read local Midlands news covering Birmingham, the Black Country, Solihull, Staffordshire and Worcestershire. Latest news from across the UK too. en-gb Birmingham Post http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-education-news/2008/09/08/call-for-pupils-to-be-taught-about-relationships-65233-21701742/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-education-news/2008/09/08/call-for-pupils-to-be-taught-about-relationships-65233-21701742/ Teaching children how to manage relationships at school should be a in the curriculum to help tackle Britain’s high divorce rate, it has been claimed. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/hibbard-agrees-new-ospreys-deal-65233-21701613/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:45:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/hibbard-agrees-new-ospreys-deal-65233-21701613/ Hooker Richard Hibbard has signed a four-year contract with the Ospreys. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/city-to-enhance-youth-set-up-65233-21701422/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/city-to-enhance-youth-set-up-65233-21701422/ Mark Hughes has insisted Manchester City will not abandon their famed youth policy. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/mclaren-to-appeal-hamilton-decision-65233-21701371/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/mclaren-to-appeal-hamilton-decision-65233-21701371/ McLaren are to launch an appeal against the decision to strip Lewis Hamilton of his victory in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/bilic-i-ll-turn-down-hammers-65233-21701308/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/bilic-i-ll-turn-down-hammers-65233-21701308/ Slaven Bilic has insisted he will not leave his post with Croatia to take over as manager at West Ham. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/07/shropshire-millionaire-s-mum-speaks-of-torment-over-loss-of-family-65233-21701278/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:13:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/07/shropshire-millionaire-s-mum-speaks-of-torment-over-loss-of-family-65233-21701278/ The mother of millionaire businessman Christopher Foster has spoken of her grief and shock at the loss of her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/07/cbso-to-perform-piece-by-turner-prize-winner-65233-21701211/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/07/cbso-to-perform-piece-by-turner-prize-winner-65233-21701211/ Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed will break new ground later this month when he has a composition for orchestra performed by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/09/birmingham-hosts-global-energy-conference-65233-21701204/ Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:56:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/09/birmingham-hosts-global-energy-conference-65233-21701204/ Energy efficient greenhouses, a fossil-free future and hydrogen-powered vehicles are some of the topics planned for discussion at an energy technologies conference in Birmingham this week. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/09/08/flybe-posts-rise-in-first-quarter-profits-65233-21701001/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:39:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/09/08/flybe-posts-rise-in-first-quarter-profits-65233-21701001/ Regional airline Flybe has shrugged off the misery gripping the sector with a 14% rise in first-quarter profits. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/nationwide-announces-mergers-65233-21701159/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/nationwide-announces-mergers-65233-21701159/ Mortgage lender Nationwide announced mergers with smaller mutuals the Derbyshire and Cheshire building societies. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/zola-tops-hammers-wish-list-65233-21701107/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:45:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/zola-tops-hammers-wish-list-65233-21701107/ Michael Laudrup will be interviewed by West Ham officials on Monday but Gianfranco Zola has moved into pole position in the race to be the club's next manager. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/capello-happy-to-take-england-test-65233-21701058/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:45:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/capello-happy-to-take-england-test-65233-21701058/ Fabio Capello admits he relishes the "bigger challenges" as England prepare for the first real test of their World Cup qualifying campaign against Croatia in Zagreb on Wednesday. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/politics-news/2008/09/07/gordon-brown-in-birmingham-to-discuss-64m-aid-for-region-65233-21698202/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:10:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/politics-news/2008/09/07/gordon-brown-in-birmingham-to-discuss-64m-aid-for-region-65233-21698202/ The Prime Minister is to attend crucial talks with business and council leaders in Birmingham following an historic meeting of his Cabinet in the city. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/07/solihull-council-to-sell-constable-sketch-to-raise-funds-65233-21698243/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:17:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/07/solihull-council-to-sell-constable-sketch-to-raise-funds-65233-21698243/ Solihull Borough Council is to sell a sketch by the 19th century painter John Constable to help plug a hole in its finances. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/07/more-rain-on-the-way-to-flood-stricken-midlands-65233-21698326/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:37:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/07/more-rain-on-the-way-to-flood-stricken-midlands-65233-21698326/ The West Midlands has been warned to brace itself for further rain - but will escape the worst of the torrential downpours that are still to come. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/home-broadband-could-cost-30bn-65233-21700919/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:05:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/home-broadband-could-cost-30bn-65233-21700919/ Installing high speed broadband in every home in the UK could cost almost £30 billion, an industry report said. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/unions-attack-labour-over-pay-65233-21700862/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:05:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/unions-attack-labour-over-pay-65233-21700862/ The Government will come under attack from trade unions later over the pay of public sector workers as they gear up for fresh strikes later this year. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/murray-past-successes-meaningless-65233-21700811/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/murray-past-successes-meaningless-65233-21700811/ Andy Murray goes into the US Open final against Roger Federer knowing his winning record against the four-time defending champion will be meaningless in his first grand slam final. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/bilic-unimpressed-by-england-65233-21700675/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:45:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/bilic-unimpressed-by-england-65233-21700675/ Croatia boss Slaven Bilic has dismissed England as "predictable" and insisted he "expects" his side to win their World Cup qualifying group. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/mental-health-timebomb-warning-65233-21700596/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:35:18 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/mental-health-timebomb-warning-65233-21700596/ Former SAS soldier Andy McNab has warned that Britain was sitting on a "timebomb" of future severe mental health problems among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/voters-back-immigration-levels-cut-65233-21700539/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:35:18 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/voters-back-immigration-levels-cut-65233-21700539/ Significant cuts in immigration are backed by a large majority of supporters of all political parties, according to a new poll. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/75m-childcare-boost-for-families-65233-21700483/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:35:18 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/75m-childcare-boost-for-families-65233-21700483/ Some 50,000 low-income families across England are to be offered £205 a week to pay for childcare so parents can get training to help them back to work. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/unions-attack-labour-over-pay-65233-21700421/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:35:17 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/unions-attack-labour-over-pay-65233-21700421/ The Government will come under attack from trade unions later over the pay of public sector workers as they gear up for fresh strikes later this year. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/brown-rallies-cabinet-in-birmingham-65233-21700368/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:35:17 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/brown-rallies-cabinet-in-birmingham-65233-21700368/ Prime Minister Gordon Brown is to tell Cabinet ministers he is determined to provide leadership by "squaring up to hard truths, being open with the British people about the choices we face, and making tough decisions". http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/williams-wins-us-open-65233-21700215/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:45:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/williams-wins-us-open-65233-21700215/ Serena Williams claimed her third US Open women's title on Sunday with a 6-4 7-5 victory over Jelena Jankovic at Flushing Meadows. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/last-orders-for-five-pubs-a-day-65233-21699307/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:35:17 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/last-orders-for-five-pubs-a-day-65233-21699307/ British pubs have closed at the rate of five a day during the first half of this year, according to new figures. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/murray-reaches-us-open-final-65233-21699257/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:35:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/murray-reaches-us-open-final-65233-21699257/ Tennis ace Andy Murray has continued a glorious period for British sport as he qualified for the US Open final. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/mortgage-takeovers-may-boost-uk-65233-21699200/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:35:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/mortgage-takeovers-may-boost-uk-65233-21699200/ British mortgage experts have welcomed the historic US government takeover of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/new-storms-may-cause-more-flooding-65233-21699143/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:35:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/new-storms-may-cause-more-flooding-65233-21699143/ Torrential rains which lashed the country over the weekend have eased off, but forecasters have warned of more floods to come. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/warning-over-growing-fuel-poverty-65233-21699086/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:35:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/warning-over-growing-fuel-poverty-65233-21699086/ Almost a quarter of the population will be in fuel poverty by next year and those on low incomes will be especially badly hit, new figures have showed. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/uk-finances-a-straitjacket-osborne-65233-21699029/ Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/08/uk-finances-a-straitjacket-osborne-65233-21699029/ The poor state of the British economy will impose a "straitjacket" on an incoming Conservative administration for several years if the party wins the next election, shadow chancellor George Osborne has warned. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/momentous-win-for-magic-murray-65233-21698859/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:15:13 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/08/momentous-win-for-magic-murray-65233-21698859/ Andy Murray reached the first grand slam final of his career with the result of his life to beat world number one Rafael Nadal in a rain-delayed US Open semi-final in New York. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/capello-rooney-at-ease-with-form-65233-21698684/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:45:18 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/capello-rooney-at-ease-with-form-65233-21698684/ Fabio Capello insisted Wayne Rooney is not becoming frustrated at his failure to hit peak form for England ahead of Wednesday's vital World Cup qualifier with Croatia in Zagreb. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/murray-back-to-business-65233-21698568/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/murray-back-to-business-65233-21698568/ Andy Murray will be looking to get right back in the groove in New York as he resumes his rain-delayed US Open men's semi-final against Rafael Nadal with a two-sets-to-love lead. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/09/07/james-milner-delighted-to-be-out-of-the-newcastle-turmoil-65233-21698404/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 19:11:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/09/07/james-milner-delighted-to-be-out-of-the-newcastle-turmoil-65233-21698404/ New Aston Villa signing James Milner has revealed his relief at being away from the controversy which is threatening to tear apart his former club on Tyneside. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/cricket-news/2008/09/07/worcestershire-s-new-road-devastated-by-highest-ever-flood-65233-21698336/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:53:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/cricket-news/2008/09/07/worcestershire-s-new-road-devastated-by-highest-ever-flood-65233-21698336/ Mark Newton has described the return of flood waters to New Road as “soul destroying.” http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/07/friends-institute-boiler-can-be-repaired-says-council-65233-21698310/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:19:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2008/09/07/friends-institute-boiler-can-be-repaired-says-council-65233-21698310/ The campaign to save the Friends’ Institute in Birmingham has been given fresh hope after the city council decided a “beyond repair” boiler can be mended after all. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/agent-reveals-depth-of-robinho-misery-65233-21698289/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/agent-reveals-depth-of-robinho-misery-65233-21698289/ Manchester City new boy Robinho told Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon he would "rather be a travelling salesman" than remain at the Bernabeu, the Brazilian's agent has revealed. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/rooney-unconcerned-by-goals-record-65233-21698237/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/rooney-unconcerned-by-goals-record-65233-21698237/ Wayne Rooney insists his international goalscoring record is not weighing on his mind as he approaches England's World Cup qualifier in Zagreb. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/09/07/us-government-bails-out-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-65233-21698201/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:05:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/09/07/us-government-bails-out-fannie-mae-and-freddie-mac-65233-21698201/ The US government has stepped in to bail out crippled mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/tigers-back-with-a-bang-65233-21698174/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:45:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/tigers-back-with-a-bang-65233-21698174/ Leicester ensured a winning start for new boss Heyneke Meyer as the Tigers reeled off a third successive Guinness Premiership victory, beating Gloucester 20-8 at Kingsholm. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/ministers-reject-cap-on-immigration-65233-21698113/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:35:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/ministers-reject-cap-on-immigration-65233-21698113/ Ministers have rejected proposals for a cap on immigration, ahead of a cross-party report which is expected to call for a sharp reduction in the numbers allowed to settle in the UK. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/09/07/mission-to-moscow-for-phwt-65233-21698079/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 06:37:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/09/07/mission-to-moscow-for-phwt-65233-21698079/ Midlands-based marketing communications agency Palmer Hargreaves Wallis Tomlinson is expanding its activities in Russia with the opening of an office in Moscow. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/09/07/pint-shot-riot-gig-streamed-across-the-world-65233-21698064/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:28:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/09/07/pint-shot-riot-gig-streamed-across-the-world-65233-21698064/ A Coventry band will be the first unsigned group streamed live on internet channel Channelbee. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/09/07/music-website-aims-to-promote-west-midlands-scene-65233-21698055/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:19:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/09/07/music-website-aims-to-promote-west-midlands-scene-65233-21698055/ A Birmingham City University MA student has launched a website aiming to generate pride in the West Midlands' vibrant music scene. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/09/07/mccann-erickson-handed-role-to-push-touchwood-65233-21698033/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:17:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/09/07/mccann-erickson-handed-role-to-push-touchwood-65233-21698033/ Solihull’s Touchwood has appointed McCann Erickson Communications House to raise its national profile. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/hamilton-stripped-of-belgian-win-65233-21698034/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:15:13 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/hamilton-stripped-of-belgian-win-65233-21698034/ Lewis Hamilton was stripped of victory following Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix after stewards imposed a 25-second penalty on the McLaren driver. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/rfu-news/2008/09/07/latham-debut-spoiled-as-worcester-warriors-lose-65233-21697509/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:29:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/rfu-news/2008/09/07/latham-debut-spoiled-as-worcester-warriors-lose-65233-21697509/ Premiership - Northampton 21 Worcester 13 http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/09/07/tasty-contracts-for-delicious-pr-65233-21698003/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 00:12:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/media-marketing-news/2008/09/07/tasty-contracts-for-delicious-pr-65233-21698003/ Birmingham-based Delicious PR is gearing up for a busy autumn after landing two new accounts in the city. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/man-held-over-canal-boat-deaths-65233-21697971/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:35:17 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/man-held-over-canal-boat-deaths-65233-21697971/ Police have arrested a man over the murder of two people on a canal boat. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/teenager-fatally-stabbed-in-fight-65233-21697905/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:05:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/teenager-fatally-stabbed-in-fight-65233-21697905/ A teenager was stabbed to death after rival "postcode" gangs clashed at a girl's birthday party, witnesses said. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/rovers-see-off-rivals-65233-21697777/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:45:17 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/rovers-see-off-rivals-65233-21697777/ Hull KR brought the curtain down on their season in style, winning their third derby of the year against arch-rivals Hull FC 36-8. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/call-for-checks-of-recycled-rubbish-65233-21697721/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:35:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/call-for-checks-of-recycled-rubbish-65233-21697721/ Councils must keep track of recycled rubbish to ensure it is not dumped illegally in poor countries, local government leaders have said. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/hamilton-wins-dramatic-grand-prix-65233-21697653/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:45:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/hamilton-wins-dramatic-grand-prix-65233-21697653/ Lewis Hamilton claimed his fifth win of the year after a dramatic conclusion to a remarkable Belgian Grand Prix. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/nationwide-in-advanced-merger-talks-65233-21697600/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/nationwide-in-advanced-merger-talks-65233-21697600/ Mortgage lender Nationwide has said it was in advanced talks over mergers with the Derbyshire and Cheshire building societies. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/civil-servants-to-vote-over-action-65233-21697543/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/civil-servants-to-vote-over-action-65233-21697543/ Hundreds of thousands of civil servants are to be balloted on whether to take industrial action for at least three months in a bitter dispute with the Government over pay. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/robins-see-off-rivals-65233-21697485/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/robins-see-off-rivals-65233-21697485/ Hull KR brought the curtain down on their season in style, winning their third derby of the year against arch-rivals Hull FC 36-8. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/terry-not-out-for-revenge-65233-21697434/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/terry-not-out-for-revenge-65233-21697434/ John Terry and David Beckham have insisted three points rather than revenge will be on their minds when England tackle Croatia in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier in Zagreb. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/hamilton-wins-at-spa-65233-21697384/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:15:13 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/hamilton-wins-at-spa-65233-21697384/ A late-race shower saw Lewis Hamilton take victory at Spa-Francorchamps and extend his lead in the title race. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/gold-pedal-start-for-britain-65233-21697326/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/gold-pedal-start-for-britain-65233-21697326/ Great Britain enjoyed a tremendous opening day of the Paralympic Games with three cycling gold medals before also triumphing at the Water Cube. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/khan-retains-confidence-in-new-trainer-65233-21697276/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/khan-retains-confidence-in-new-trainer-65233-21697276/ Amir Khan believes the first defeat of his career has given him a "kick up the backside" after being spectacularly knocked out in less than a minute by Colombian Breidis Prescott. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/united-would-discuss-ronaldo-bid-65233-21697226/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/united-would-discuss-ronaldo-bid-65233-21697226/ Manchester United chief executive David Gill has insisted he is treating suggestions of a £135million bid for Cristiano Ronaldo "with a pinch of salt" but revealed the club would discuss an offer of that magnitude. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/hammers-confirm-four-name-shortlist-65233-21697176/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:15:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/hammers-confirm-four-name-shortlist-65233-21697176/ West Ham have confirmed that four names remain in the frame to be the club's next manager: Slaven Bilic, Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Donadoni and Michael Laudrup. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/cameron-hints-at-tory-tax-cuts-65233-21697143/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:05:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/cameron-hints-at-tory-tax-cuts-65233-21697143/ David Cameron has hinted at the possibility of tax cuts under a Conservative government, saying that it was right for those who "put their backs into the British economy" to be rewarded. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/teenager-dies-after-stabbing-65233-21697062/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:05:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/teenager-dies-after-stabbing-65233-21697062/ An 18-year-old man has died after being stabbed, police said. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/sats-set-to-be-scrapped-next-year-65233-21697005/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:05:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/sats-set-to-be-scrapped-next-year-65233-21697005/ Next year's Sats tests could be the last, Schools Secretary Ed Balls has signalled. http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/09/07/nationwide-in-merger-talks-with-the-derbyshire-and-the-cheshire-65233-21696967/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:27:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/other-uk-business/2008/09/07/nationwide-in-merger-talks-with-the-derbyshire-and-the-cheshire-65233-21696967/ Mortgage lender Nationwide has said it is in advanced merger talks with the Derbyshire and Cheshire building societies. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/09/06/villa-duo-milner-and-agbonlahor-fire-england-u21s-into-play-offs-65233-21696918/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:11:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/aston-villa-fc/2008/09/06/villa-duo-milner-and-agbonlahor-fire-england-u21s-into-play-offs-65233-21696918/ Villa's James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor star for England U21s in their victory at Wembley. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/cricket-news/2008/09/07/worcestershire-flooded-again-and-warwickshire-match-off-65233-21696871/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:01:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/west-midlands-sports/cricket-news/2008/09/07/worcestershire-flooded-again-and-warwickshire-match-off-65233-21696871/ Worcestershire are unlikely to play at New Road again this season after their riverside ground was flooded late on Saturday evening. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/lost-data-disc-not-in-wrong-hands-65233-21696750/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 09:35:13 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/lost-data-disc-not-in-wrong-hands-65233-21696750/ A lost computer disc containing personal details about thousands of justice staff is not thought to have fallen into the wrong hands, a Government minister said. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/worthington-angry-at-slovakia-defeat-65233-21696679/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:45:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/worthington-angry-at-slovakia-defeat-65233-21696679/ Nigel Worthington was left angry and frustrated as Northern Ireland slumped to defeat in their opening World Cup qualifier. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/burley-buoyed-by-display-65233-21696630/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:45:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/burley-buoyed-by-display-65233-21696630/ Scotland manager George Burley branded his players "outstanding" against Macedonia - despite crashing to defeat in their first World Cup qualifying game. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/flood-fears-ease-as-rains-slow-65233-21696571/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/flood-fears-ease-as-rains-slow-65233-21696571/ Fears of floods crippling Britain have eased overnight despite concerns rain could see water levels continue to rise. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/richardson-lands-first-british-gold-65233-21696511/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 08:15:13 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/richardson-lands-first-british-gold-65233-21696511/ Simon Richardson won Great Britain's first gold medal of the Paralympic Games in Beijing on Sunday with a stunning performance in the men's LC3/4 one-kilometre time-trial. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/toshack-relieved-after-win-65233-21696457/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 07:45:18 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/toshack-relieved-after-win-65233-21696457/ Wales boss John Toshack revealed he was "pleased and relieved" by his side's 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/trapattoni-sets-sights-high-after-win-65233-21696406/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 07:45:18 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/trapattoni-sets-sights-high-after-win-65233-21696406/ Giovanni Trapattoni set his sights on South Africa 2010 after his side launched their World Cup qualifying campaign with a victory over Georgia. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/robson-wise-role-undermined-keegan-65233-21696356/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 07:45:18 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/robson-wise-role-undermined-keegan-65233-21696356/ Sir Bobby Robson believes "no manager worth his salt" will be interested in succeeding Kevin Keegan at Newcastle unless there is fundamental change at St James' Park. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/capello-could-bench-cole-again-65233-21696306/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 07:45:17 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/capello-could-bench-cole-again-65233-21696306/ England coach Fabio Capello has still to decide whether to give two-goal hero Joe Cole a starting place for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier with Croatia - after a row with the Chelsea midfielder. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/khan-rues-gamble-that-backfired-65233-21696229/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 06:45:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/khan-rues-gamble-that-backfired-65233-21696229/ Amir Khan admitted facing unbeaten Colombian Breidis Prescott had been "a massive gamble" after a stunning 54-second knockout defeat left his world title dreams in tatters. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/keegan-sticks-to-his-guns-65233-21696179/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 06:45:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/keegan-sticks-to-his-guns-65233-21696179/ The war of words surrounding Newcastle escalated on Saturday with Kevin Keegan reasserting his position in response to an earlier statement from the Magpies. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/thousands-evacuated-as-floods-rise-65233-21696048/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 05:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/thousands-evacuated-as-floods-rise-65233-21696048/ Homes across Britain are expected to be at risk of flooding for days to come after thousands of people were evacuated as water levels continue to rise. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/kt-tunstall-weds-on-scottish-isle-65233-21695282/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:05:24 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/kt-tunstall-weds-on-scottish-isle-65233-21695282/ Scots singer KT Tunstall has tied the knot on a remote Scottish island. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/migrant-cap-plan-divisive-mps-told-65233-21695253/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:05:23 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/migrant-cap-plan-divisive-mps-told-65233-21695253/ Proposals to put a cap on numbers of immigrants settling in Britain after entering the country on work permits has been branded "divisive and wasteful of talent". http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/union-boss-attacks-lost-labour-65233-21695196/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:05:23 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/union-boss-attacks-lost-labour-65233-21695196/ The leader of Britain's largest union has warned that the Government has "lost its way". http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/three-more-on-shaquille-stab-charge-65233-21695139/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:05:23 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/three-more-on-shaquille-stab-charge-65233-21695139/ Three more teenagers have been charged with the murder of a 14-year-old boy stabbed while sitting on a bench outside his home, police have said. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/labour-2-0-down-to-conservatives-65233-21695083/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:05:23 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/labour-2-0-down-to-conservatives-65233-21695083/ Labour is "two-nil down" to the Conservatives in the race for the next General Election, one of Prime Minister Gordon Brown's closest allies has admitted. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/call-for-higher-tax-for-super-rich-65233-21695025/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:05:23 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/call-for-higher-tax-for-super-rich-65233-21695025/ High earners on more than £100,000 a year should pay higher tax rates to help achieve greater equality between the rich and poor, the TUC has urged. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/inquiry-as-prison-data-goes-missing-65233-21694968/ Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:05:21 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/07/inquiry-as-prison-data-goes-missing-65233-21694968/ There have been warnings that the taxpayer may face a multimillion- pound bill after the loss of a computer disc carrying personal details of thousands of employees of the National Offender Management Service, who may include many prison officers. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/khan-dreams-in-tatters-65233-21694782/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/07/khan-dreams-in-tatters-65233-21694782/ Amir Khan suffered the first defeat of his professional career with a stunning 54-second knockout by Colombian Breidis Prescott at the MEN Arena in Manchester on Saturday night. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/06/prison-officers-data-missing-65233-21694660/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:35:13 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/06/prison-officers-data-missing-65233-21694660/ Justice Secretary Jack Straw has ordered an inquiry after a computer hard-drive containing the personal details of 5,000 prison officers went missing. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/weather-holds-up-murray-65233-21694582/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:15:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/weather-holds-up-murray-65233-21694582/ Andy Murray's electrifying start to his first grand slam semi-final was halted by rain in New York on Saturday with the British number one leading US Open top seed Rafael Nadal two sets to love. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/cole-double-gives-england-winning-start-65233-21694531/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:15:13 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/cole-double-gives-england-winning-start-65233-21694531/ Joe Cole came to Fabio Capello's rescue again after England had been booed off at half-time in their World Cup qualifying opener against Andorra. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/06/councils-using-surveillance-powers-65233-21694472/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:05:16 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/06/councils-using-surveillance-powers-65233-21694472/ Wide-ranging surveillance powers introduced to tackle terrorism and serious crime are being used regularly by councils to tackle relatively minor problems, according to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/06/petrol-station-stab-victim-named-65233-21694415/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:05:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/06/petrol-station-stab-victim-named-65233-21694415/ A 17-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in the street has been named by police. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/sloppy-wolves-beaten-again-65233-21694331/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:45:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/sloppy-wolves-beaten-again-65233-21694331/ Warrington missed out on a home tie in the engage Super League play-offs after crashing to a surprise 38-20 home defeat to a Huddersfield side who belied their lowly league position. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/06/missing-teenager-id-delay-possible-65233-21694275/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 19:35:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/06/missing-teenager-id-delay-possible-65233-21694275/ The body found during the search for a British teenager missing in Tenerife might not be formally identified until next week. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/federer-through-to-final-65233-21694193/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:45:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/federer-through-to-final-65233-21694193/ Roger Federer remains on course for a fifth successive US Open crown after battling past Novak Djokovic in four sets in the semi-finals on Saturday. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/whelan-on-target-in-republic-win-65233-21694133/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:15:13 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/whelan-on-target-in-republic-win-65233-21694133/ Glenn Whelan's first senior international goal cemented an opening World Cup qualifying victory for the Republic of Ireland as they eased past 2-1 Georgia in Mainz. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/northern-ireland-crash-in-slovakia-65233-21694076/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:45:14 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-birmingham-sport/national-sport/2008/09/06/northern-ireland-crash-in-slovakia-65233-21694076/ Goals from Martin Skrtel and Marek Hamsik condemned Northern Ireland to a 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat against Slovakia. http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/06/call-for-black-schools-65233-21694011/ Sat, 06 Sep 2008 17:35:15 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/news/uk-news/2008/09/06/call-for-black-schools-65233-21694011/ A controversial race relations campaigner has called for the creation of "black schools" to "stem the avalanche of educational failure and the descent into violent gang culture".